Suburban Turmoil writes a fabulous thought-provoking statement about being a stay-at-home-mom. She states simply that she thinks it’s easier than many many people let on.

And you should just *read* the comments!!

I have decided to take some time off next month to stay home with the kids and I’ve attacked our time together like a she-lion attacks a boar hog.. Activities, books, swimming, bicycling, talking, adventures and (yes I’ll admit) some “Blues Clues” thrown in for good measure.

And you know what? I think she’s right. I think staying home and spending time with kids is a hell of a lot easier than trying to also run your ass off at a job and then come home and spend 90 minutes of quality time with them. It’s more exhausting in certain ways, but flowing with the going and everyone flouncing around in ragamuffin wear has a lilt to it.

When I think my life is hard, it is. When I think I am blessed and lucky, I feel so much better. How does one strike the right balance between honesty and destructive negativity?

I think the lovely intermediate place is using generous applications of humor. When I can laugh at the spilled food, the crying and tantrums, I feel like I can handle it.

There are days when staying home with them seems incredibly difficult. What’s your experience of this?

The humble, quiet supportive partners are often the forgotten under-appreciated ones. Couples like us, the loud and the quiet are a study in contrasts and challenges, fights and discussions, debates and resolutions. These are five things for which I’ll always thank hubs.

1. For writing me the most beautiful card after Chloe was born. A card that I treasure and think of often. A card that made tough old me bawl my eyes out.

2. For giving me alone time, mommy breaks, and support while the wee ones fight and clamor for my love.

3. For putting up with the personal rile-ups, arguments, and opinions that come out of my mouth like a daily Niagara.

4. For raising my two eldest children as your own.

5. For making me food and doing my laundry and in this way mothering me and loving me more than anyone else has.

Love,
A